5 Reasons Why You Should Consider a Career in Social Care

Social care is all about making a difference to other people’s lives, whether it’s providing everyday personal care, emotional support, practical assistance or all of the above. If you are keen to go into a career in social care, then you will likely be working with vulnerable people such as children, adults with illnesses, people with mental or physical disabilities or the elderly. Vulnerable people often need a degree of care such as help doing physical tasks such as shopping, personal care such as washing or cooking or support in everyday life such as managing finances or living independently. With a huge 1.5 million people working in adult social care in the UK, this is a very popular career choice for many.

Here are just a few reasons why you should consider a career in social work…

1. It’s One of the Most Rewarding Jobs

Working with vulnerable people can be hard work, but at the end of the day, you always know that you have changed someone’s life in the best way possible. Many vulnerable people find everyday life challenging, not only in a practical sense but also having to emotionally cope with what they’re going through, and to be there for them is an irreplaceable feeling.

As well as being able to help your clients in a practical sense such as helping with shopping or cooking, which already make everyday life so much easier for vulnerable people, being there in a supportive role to talk to them, help them with issues they might have and assist them in being able to do the things they want to do can change someone’s life in momentous ways. Being able to positively impact someone’s life every day is the number one reason people love working in social care, so if you want to bring a smile to someone’s face every day then this could be the job for you.

2. It’s a Job for Life

There are always going to be people in need, and therefore your social care experience will never go to waste. You don’t have to worry about developments in technology or AI taking over your job, as nothing can replace the human aspect of working in social care. Because of this, social care workers are also always in high demand, and there are a range of sectors you can choose to work in. Social care workers are always needed in care homes, independent living facilities, day centres, hospitals and visiting people in their own homes, and many organisations work with the NHS to provide care for vulnerable people, meaning that you will be part of the national healthcare team.

If you have a background in childcare or psychology then you can specialise by working with vulnerable children or those with mental health issues, however, you don’t necessarily need a particular background to work in social care. The main thing you need is a caring personality and great people skills, and you will be set for life!

3. Many Opportunities for Progression

Progression is an important consideration when deciding on your future career. When you work in social care, not only are there a variety of environments to work in and people to work with, but there is plenty of opportunities to progress up the career ladder. You can learn on the job and gain qualifications such as the Certificate in Health and Social Care, a Care NVQ, the Level 4 Diploma in Health and Social Care or study online for year 1 and 2 of a Health and Social Care degree.

You can also work your way towards a management role or specialise in particular areas of care. There are many opportunities for employees in care roles to take specialist courses to better understand vulnerable people and the issues they face. You can choose to specialise in helping those with dementia, children with Special Educational Needs, people with mental health issues and many more.

4. No Day is Ever the Same

Whether you work in a care home or in the community, you will get to interact with a variety of vulnerable people who all have a story to tell. You can get to know a range of incredible people, develop personal bonds and help them in a variety of ways. As well as helping with day-to-day living, you will often be asked to do a range of things which will help your clients live independently such as caring for their pets, taking them to classes or assisting with childcare. Just some of the duties which you could find yourself doing include:

Cooking

Cleaning

Shopping

Personal care

Pet and child care

Transport/accompaniment to appointments or work

Assistance with technology

As there is such a wide range of people who need support, and a great number of ways in which they need assistance, you are sure to find that every day is different. Many organisations will pair you up with a client who has similar interests or needs which you will feel confident fulfilling, so you could find yourself assisting someone with a hobby you enjoy doing too!

5. Flexible Working Hours

As well as meeting a variety of people you can meet and a range of responsibilities you can take on in the world of social care, you can also enjoy flexible working hours. People don’t just need support from 9-5, and therefore there are bound to be work opportunities to suit your schedule. If you have kids who need picking up from school, for example, working in the community can be a great option to fit around your lifestyle.

Care homes and hospitals also need night shift workers, and there is a range of live-in opportunities around the world where you can support vulnerable people without the need for a lengthy commute. Find a role which fits your needs, and you can enjoy a rewarding, exciting and fulfilling career.

As you can see, the advantages to becoming a social worker are innumerable.

If you’re ready to get started on your career journey, check out our range of social care courses to help you get there!

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Emily Atkinson-Dalton

Emily is a freelance writer for coursesonline.co.uk, which she does alongside studying for her English Literature and Psychology degree. She enjoys creative hobbies such as writing, drawing, playing guitar and painting; as well as spending time with her three cats.

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